The BIBLE
I don't mean "The BIBLE," in it's many variations. I am referring to
our hobby manual that few hobbies (or avocations) have, `The Radio
Amateur's Handbook.'
It's easy for those of us that have had one glued to our elbow for 35
years (so to speak) that some new HAMS do not have electronics
backgrounds, in fact I have a very good HAM friend that is a nurse, and
she is not the first nurse-HAM that I have met. I use much more of the
information that I learned from the ARRL handbook than my 2 wears of
technical school, in my work, maintaining transmitters.
I spent many very nice days (with my wife) at "Disney World" starting
in 1971 reading my way through the long waiting lines at attractions, it
added to my enjoyment of the holiday. Little by Little my technical
knowledge of radio expanded. (I have always been a tech trying to learn
operating!)
For a newcomer to HAM radio `The Radio Amateur's Handbook' is a must!
Where to get one? I am talking about a book that is re-published every
year, now hardbound in a 10 X 15" size with `news print,' formally 6« X
9«" printed on a nicer quality paper, you can buy a new one for about $35
+ taxes you can buy a nice used of the older (easer to carry around,
(in a car or on vacation) for a dollar or more at some hamfests. I read
a 1967 edition, (bright red cover - different every year.)
How to study it. This may seem odd, but new HAMS without any
electronics background should first read the first chapter called
"Amateur Radio" then "Operating a Station" followed by `Assembling a
Station' all non-technical chapters first.
Then the technical chapters begin, `Electrical Laws and Circuits'
followed by `Transmission Lines', I have no more suggestions, read about
anything that you develop an interest or have a question about, like
antennas or the Digital Modes or Single Sideband etc. Next time I might
discuss MECCA, not in the far east, HAM'S MECCA, in DAYTON, Ohio!
Ron KA4INM ka4inm@qsl.net